Monday, August 11, 2014

Review: THE LOST by Sarah Beth Durst

Title: The Lost
Author: Sarah Beth Durst (@sarahbethdurst)
Published: May 2014
Series: The Lost #1
Genre: Fantasy
POV: 1st person
Pages: 352
Publisher: Harlequin MIRA
Format: Paperback
Source: Publisher & later purchased
Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf
It was only meant to be a brief detour. But then Lauren finds herself trapped in a town called Lost on the edge of a desert, filled with things abandoned, broken and thrown away. And when she tries to escape, impassable dust storms and something unexplainable lead her back to Lost again and again. The residents she meets there tell her she's going to have to figure out just what she's missing--and what she's running from--before she can leave. So now Lauren's on a new search for a purpose and a destiny. And maybe, just maybe, she'll be found...

Against the backdrop of this desolate and mystical town, Sarah Beth Durst writes an arresting, fantastical novel of one woman's impossible journey...and her quest to find her fate.

I've always had a strange fascination with things that are lost. We all lose things – our keys, pens, wallets, socks, earrings, and so on. But where do they go? In Durst's first adult novel, she explores a city full of lost items, places, and people. Unsurprisingly, The Lost turned out to be as intriguing a story as I hoped to find. Lauren spends her day driving to get away from problems at home, only to find herself pulling into an odd town called Lost. She quickly finds that leaving will be a challenge when the Missing Man – the only person who can help her find what she's lost – takes one glance at her and leaves. 

The town of Lost is a charming, quirky, and somewhat terrifying place. It is both familiar and bizarre, and inhabited by people from all walks of life. As a narrator, Lauren is a comforting, realistic presence who turns out to have more determination and resourcefulness than one might initially expect from her. With only a light touch of romance, Durst slowly builds the base for what will likely become an interesting relationship between Lauren and Peter. Even though this is an adult novel, older young adult literature fans will also find this story appealing. Peculiar, humorous, and evocative, The Lost is a standout story of the year. 

Highlights: Characterization is wonderful, from the tough yet adorable Claire to the odd yet surprisingly well-read Peter / Finder. Instead of wallowing, Lauren utilizes her strengths, works on her weaknesses, and tries to figure out a way home. The world of the Lost is fascinating, strange, and perfectly described in order to convey it's charm, oddness, and dangers. The romance is very light, sweet, and realistic. Even better, Durst infuses plenty of emotion in with all the entertainment. As a person who knows what it's like to watch someone you love struggle medically to live, Lauren's relationship with her mother really resonated with me. The ending is very bittersweet, and I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Lowlights: I want the sequel now?


Rating: The Royal Library, Top Shelf (5 out of 5). I love this book, so it is going on the top shelves in the royal library where everyone can see it. The Lost is exciting, imaginative, and simply a spectacular story filled with outstanding characters. I'd highly recommend this book, because it is an incredible story.

15 comments:

  1. I love that your lowlights is that you want the sequel xD

    This sounds like a good book! I've only read VESSEL (which I really liked...despite the ending) but her adult series sounds fun. Great review!

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    1. Ha! What can I say? Waiting for sequels is torture! ;)

      It's a fabulous book! Very easy to get swept away in it for a day.

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  2. Aw, yay :D So glad you loved this book so much sweetie. <3 It do seem interesting. And ack. I like that cover :D But ohh. Bittersweet ending? Sniffs. Excited to see how you like the sequel. <3 Thank you for sharing :)

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    1. It is interesting! Durst's novels always end up being unique and fascinating :)

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  3. I thought this was YA so thanks for the heads up on that. I haven't read any of her books but my friend Sara raved about this one too so I might have to try it!

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    1. Nope, it's adult (but there's definitely very strong YA crossover potential). I hope you check it out and enjoy reading it :)

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  4. I've been curious about this book, but haven't seen many reviews on it. It sounds like an interesting story and I'd like to know more about Lauren. Great review!

    Janina @ Synchronized Reading

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    1. It is interesting! One of those books you can't set aside once you start it!

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  5. Your lowlight is in itself is a vote of confidence! I love the fascinating premise of this one so I'm really happy to hear it delivers. Also, excellent that the characterization does not get ignored in favour of worldbuilding, given that a large part of the "hook" of the premise is the place of Lost.

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    1. Durst is great with worldbuilding - she always creates the most fascinating places, and fills them with incredibly realistic characters. I hope you check it out!

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  6. Ooo, I'm so glad you enjoyed this one, Lea! It makes me more excited to pick up my copy. Sarah is such a sweet person, and I'm glad her books are being loved. Great review!

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    1. It's fantastic, I hope you find an opportunity to read it soon! And she is a sweetheart, one of the nicest author's I've spoken to on the internet / email (hopefully I'll get to meet her in person one day)!

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  7. Whoop, speaking of original! Now this one sounds like it has a truly original premise as well!! Awesome. And I seem to recall that you've loved Sarah Beth Durst books in the past as well, so she must be a very talented author indeed!

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    1. Durst's books are usually so different, it's one of the reasons why I love them. She's definitely talented when it comes to crafting a story with interesting characters & unique worlds!

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  8. Great review, this book seems fascinating. I live that the romance is light and that the book is a little quirky, it definitely seems great so I will surely read it.

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